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We tested 21 of the most intriguing portable grills on the market in a head-to-head showdown, including top brands like Weber, Snow Peak, Coleman, Ninja, Cuisinart, and more, to hone in on which deliver the tastiest results
For this update, we purchased seven new models. Pictured here are the new propane and pellet models.
Credit: Ross Patton
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 1, 2026
Cooking away from home shouldn't mean sacrificing trunk space for real grilling power. Whether you need a compact tabletop model for weekend trips or a wheeled cart for the tailgate, we've found the best portable grills that deliver authentic backyard searing.
After several rounds of testing, the Weber Traveler is the best overall for its expansive cooking surface, impressive output power and control, and key features that make this full-size grill easy to transport.
We field-tested top portable propane, pellet, electric, and charcoal grills to find the true performers. Over weeks of cooking for family events and backcountry catering, we graded real-world packability, durability, and heat output. The winners pair a travel-ready footprint with the reliable cooking power to sear and simmer wherever you pull up.
Editor's Note: On October 1, 2026, we updated the lineup and reorganized our specs and rating metrics.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Portable Grill recommendations.
The Weber Traveler is the Cadillac of portable grills, delivering mouth-watering meals anywhere you go. Its designers paid close attention to every high-performing detail, from the ignitor that easily fires up the grill to the consistent temperature control, easily monitored with a thermostat centrally located on the lid. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grate has a smooth finish that helps prevent food from sticking, making cleanup easy. However, the most notable feature is the mechanized lift assist, which is designed to set up and break down this grill with just one hand. “I can't tell you how much fun it is to cook on the Traveler,” said tester Trish Matheny. “This grill is hands down the most well-refined option we've tested, making grilling a pleasure.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Heat/Power Source
Liquid propane
Weight
49.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
390 sq in
Grate Material
Porcelain-enameled cast iron
Total BTU
13,000
"Really, the only caveat I found with the top-of-the-line Weber Traveler is that it is heavy — 49 pounds! — which limits it to a user group that can lift it," says one tester whose back was sore after lifting heavy grills during testing. If you want to save your lower back, opt for a slightly smaller, tabletop-friendly model like the Weber Q 1200. The larger Traveler also requires more space to store, even though it packs down into a compact size for transport and storage. It is also one of the most expensive grills we tested. That said, it stood apart from the competition with outstanding performance, high-quality construction, and meticulous design that will satisfy the highest standards of any backyard or campground chef.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill is perfect for those seeking high performance at a relatively affordable price. Two independent burners feature a twist-dial electronic ignition system that fires up every time. With a combined 20,000 BTUs, it delivers top-of-the-line output, especially for a portable tabletop grill rather than a full-size outdoor model. “I found it easy to maintain different heat zones along the same grilling surface, thanks to the low-to-high settings available on each dial,” says one tester. “This makes it versatile enough to sear a steak on one side while slow-cooking water-laden vegetables on the other.” The 275-square-inch grilltop was among the largest that we tested, making it a better choice for those who will be mobile cooking for small groups.
SPECIFICATIONS
Heat/Power Source
Liquid propane
Weight
22.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
275 sq in
Grate Material
Stainless steel
Total BTU
20,000
Though the streamlined stainless steel Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable is designed for mobile cooking, we question the long-term durability of some features, like its large handle and foldable legs, which feel less than sturdy in hand. Lead tester Trish Matheny notes, “Rather than carrying the 22-pound CGG-306 by its large handle, I chose to carry it with both hands below the sides to be sure nothing broke in transit.” It's also crucial to clean the grease trap before transporting your grill, or you'll face a significant mess. Wind is another potential concern. While the lid fully encloses the grill's two burners, we found that small ventilation panels on each side and at the back allow wind to affect the flame. Taking the time to position your grill away from the wind can be key to peak performance. If versatility is a top priority, you will love the high-powered, easy temperature control of the Cuisinart CGG-306. It is our favorite for any budding chef who enjoys grilling for small groups on the move. But if a smaller size fits your needs better, the Cuisinart Grillster is a worthwhile, affordable alternative.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 is a high quality table top grill that supplies high output power thanks to two independent burners that offer a combined 20,000 BTUs. Credit: Trish Matheny
For its size and price, no compact grill is more powerful than the Cuisinart Grillster. “I found this compact gas grill can sear with the best of 'em,” reports our lead tester. Not only is it incredibly fuel-efficient, but this portable powerhouse reaches peak temperature within minutes of clicking the piezo lighter. A lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls let it block wind and retain heat, so you can cook in less-than-ideal weather. This model cools down almost as quickly as it heats up, so it's ready for a quick getaway. It also has a locking lid, enough space to store a one-pound gas canister, and an easy-to-carry handle. At only 10 pounds, this surprisingly powerful grill is easy to take almost anywhere.
SPECIFICATIONS
Heat/Power Source
Liquid propane
Weight
10.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
148 sq in
Grate Material
Enameled steel
Total BTU
8,000
"This is a great choice for searing steaks and other high-temperature cooking, but I found controlling the overall range on this rip-roaring grill to be difficult," says one tester who lamented her blackened veggies from the excessive flame. Unless our goal was blackened chicken or blistered peppers, we rarely used anything other than the lowest gas setting. Unsurprisingly, this compact, portable design also offers less grilling space than options better suited to a group, like the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable. But otherwise, the petite, sure-footed Grillster is the perfect companion for a picnic for two, no matter the location.
The Cuisinart Grillster is a well-insulated design that is lightweight and portable, making it the perfect affordable option when grilling for two. Credit: Trish Matheny
Best Electric Portable Grill
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Thermometer
Versatile electric grilling, smoking, and air frying
Integrated meat probe eliminates temperature guesswork
Fully sealed hood resists gusty winds
CONS
Heavy 31-pound weight strains plastic handles
Requires nearby outdoor electrical outlet
Requires proprietary-sized pellets for smoke box
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Thermometer is the ideal solution for first-time buyers, RV campers, and apartment patio cooks who want authentic barbecue flavor without wrestling with propane tanks or dirty charcoal. It takes the intimidation out of outdoor cooking by pairing an electric heating element with an automated side smoke box, so you can grill, roast, air fry, and slow-smoke with just a small scoop of real wood pellets. Push-button digital controls make setting temperatures as simple as running an indoor oven, while the built-in meat probe and tightly sealed hood remove guesswork and keep cooking heat steady in heavy wind. Lead tester Trish Matheny found it far more approachable than complex pellet options like the Traeger Ranger Pellet, delivering genuine wood-fired flavor with push-button ease.
The main trade-off is that this grill is strictly tethered to an electrical outlet, ruling it out for primitive off-grid campsites unless you bring along a high-output portable power station. At 31 pounds, it is also a hefty load to move around, and our testers flagged that the small screws securing the plastic side handles feel somewhat light-duty when carrying that much weight over bare feet. You are also locked into buying smaller proprietary wood pellets to prevent smoke box jams, and the price is steep if you only plan to cook outdoors occasionally. If you want an off-grid setup that runs anywhere on standard one-pound propane bottles without an extension cord, consider the Cuisinart Venture Gas, or look at the Elite Gourmet 12" Electric Indoor if you need an affordable cooker that can be used inside.
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker with Thermometer is a unique and versatile electric-powered grilling option that provides consistent heat and wood-fired flavor. Credit: Trish Matheny
Weber has a reputation for building grills that blend cooking performance and reliability, and that tradition comes through in a beautifully portable package with the impressive Weber Q 1200. “Although it is not the most powerful when measuring output power alone, in use, I found it efficiently and effectively reaches ideal searing temperatures within just minutes of preheating,” says one tester. The highlight of this top-quality build is its porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which retain heat and distribute it evenly via the U-shaped stainless steel burner underneath. Simply put, this model lets us grill with more predictability and control than most of the other models we bought and tested. Tabletop options with extreme control, like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker, often rely on electric power to maintain heat. If you want consistency and control plus the mobility of propane power, go with the Q 1200.
SPECIFICATIONS
Heat/Power Source
Liquid propane
Weight
31.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
189 sq in
Grate Material
Porcelain-enameled cast iron
Total BTU
8,500
Though the Weber Q 1200 reaches top temperatures with ease, we saw some issues when aiming for low-and-slow results. One tester reports, “I found it challenging to harness the heat of the grill surface at this lower range, a surprise since higher temps held steady without effort.” So you'll want to take care with your veggies. The Q 1200 excels in a backyard or tailgate setting, but with its 31-pound weight, bulky packed size, and no latching lid, it's less ideal for carrying long distances from your vehicle. Something like the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is about half the size and weight and features extendable legs, making it easier to bring to picnic spots farther afield. But for car camping and other limited-carry situations, the Weber Q 1200 is an accessible design that produces tasty grillables with enough control to appeal to novices and professionals alike.
Tight metal airflow vents require heat-resistant gloves
Requires manual charcoal management for temperature control
Compact 140-square-inch cooking area limits capacity
If you want authentic, smoky barbecue flavor at the campsite without hauling a massive setup, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is our top recommendation for traditional charcoal cooking. While many portable charcoal grills are awkwardly shaped or prone to tipping, this model features a practical rectangular basin that makes it easy to spread your coals for an even, predictable fire. At just under 15 pounds, it's effortless to carry from your trunk to the picnic table, and the plated steel grates lock securely into the deep-seated frame so you won't accidentally dump your dinner into the ashes while flipping burgers. It delivers the genuine, hands-on satisfaction of cooking over an open flame in a rugged, highly packable design.
SPECIFICATIONS
Heat/Power Source
Charcoal
Weight
14.9 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area
140 sq in
Grate Material
Plated steel
Total BTU
N/A
However, charcoal grilling is inherently more labor-intensive than gas, and this grill requires you to actively manage your fire to control the temperature. There are no easy dials to turn down the heat; instead, you must manually open and close the tight metal airflow vents, which get extremely hot during cooking, so you'll need heat-resistant gloves to adjust them safely. The 140-square-inch cooking area is also quite compact, making it perfect for cooking for two but restrictive if you are trying to feed a larger group all at once. If you want to avoid lighting coals, dealing with messy ash cleanup, or just want push-button convenience for quick weekend meals, we recommend an affordable propane alternative like the Cuisinart Grillster.
Slow roasting some dry-rubbed curry chicken to perfection on the Weber Go-Anywhere. Credit: Aaron Rice
Product Comparison Table
The Weber Traveler is so user-friendly, even Sam (our lead taste tester), could confidently crank up the temperature dial. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
Our thorough testing process began with scouring the internet for the latest and greatest products across the portable grill market. Next, we narrowed our selection to create a manageable yet comprehensive list of the top models. We bought all these products at retail price so we could conduct an extended, objectively honest, comparative review. These review editors rigorously assessed these grills and distributed them to friends to gather a fresh perspective. Throughout the intensive testing phase—which lasted months—we grilled piles of food, measured temperatures, grilled out in heavy winds, and burned through gallons of propane and piles of coal, all in pursuit of an authoritative review of the market's best portable grills. Learn more about how we test portable grills.
Measuring temperature using an infrared thermometer helps gauge the true capabilities of these grills. Credit: Trish Matheny
We break down the overall score into five key metrics:
Output Power (25% of overall score weighting)
Control (25% weighting)
Portability (20% weighting)
Cooking Area (20% weighting)
Wind Resistance (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Over the past seven years, our experts have purchased and tested more than 35 of the best portable grills side by side. We tasked long-time OGL review editor Jed Porter with leading our portable grill analysis. When you ask Jed's friends what his favorite food is, they'll likely answer either “chips and salsa” or “meat.” Jed regularly cooks 1-2 meals a day outside over an open flame, near and far, rain or shine. Throughout his career as a mountain guide, he has catered for groups of up to 20 hungry, adventurous clients.
Adding to our team's expertise in this category are Aaron Rice, Ross Patton, and Trish Matheny. Aaron has worked in and around kitchens for most of a decade. As an outdoor educator, he has also taught many a hungry teenager the art of creating delicious meals with small stoves. A long time ago, Ross's dad was the head chef at the Steak Pit, arguably the best place in Utah to get a perfectly seared filet mignon. After learning how to grill from his dad, Ross followed in his footsteps, working in the kitchens of several restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area. Trish spent many years living in the Tetons, balancing split-boarding remote peaks in the Greater Yellowstone with managing a small bakery in Driggs, Idaho. After relocating to the Eastern Sierra in recent years, she not only cooks regularly for her Search and Rescue crew, but she also picks up jobs as a private chef for adventurous clients, often preparing gourmet meals for large groups in remote locations. All four reviewers tapped into a network of friends and family who also happen to be culinary experts, from culinary arts professors to professional chefs to BBQ business owners.
Our testing team put in long hours in front of these grills so they could thoughtfully evaluate each design and provide results to assist you in your next purchase.
Analysis and Test Results
A portable grill could be mobile enough to load in and out of your truck bed with a friend, or compact enough to fit inside a large backpack. This wide range of sizes and shapes makes comparing “portable grills” a real challenge for our testers. But that's why we take time to analyze the entire marketplace and select the best options available today. We then put ourselves in your shoes and run each model through an array of creative, real-life cooking scenarios. This helped us evaluate each product's overall performance and function, as well as the finer details and relative strengths and weaknesses, to help you pick out the best possible portable grill to meet your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
When shopping for a portable grill, you don't have to spend top dollar to get great food, but investing a little more usually buys you better temperature control and long-term durability. For the absolute best balance of price and performance, the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style is our top recommendation. It provides plenty of output power plus the control of two separate burners, each with low-to-high settings. If your budget is strictly under $150, the Cuisinart Grillster has the power you need to sear steaks, but its lower price point means it lacks the overall control of better grills.
The Economics of Fuel
When calculating your budget, remember to factor in the long-term cost of replacement. While the all-natural allure of charcoal appeals to traditionalists, these grills tend to burn through coals quickly. If you prefer a traditional fire, we recommend all-natural lump charcoal, which burns hotter and delivers higher-quality flavor without additives or chemicals. For maximum fuel efficiency, pellet grills use incredibly dense wood pellets; we found we can cook at least five times as long on a standard bag of pellets as on a similar-sized bag of charcoal.
On the extreme budget end, if you have reliable access to electricity, the Elite Gourmet 12" Electric is one of the most affordable options we tested. It sears meat easily, offers strong wind resistance, and its compact size makes it perfect for the countertop or for easy storage inside your camper. Conversely, if you want a larger propane grill and are willing to spend more upfront, the Weber Traveler is a bigger investment but delivers a top-of-the-line grilling experience on par with many non-portable patio grills.
Lining up grills side-by-side to test the backyard ultra-classics, hamburgers and portabella-burgers. Credit: Aaron Rice
Heating & Searing
For this metric, we compared how different heat-production methods performed across grills. For gas, we looked at the number of BTUs (British thermal units) each product generates. For charcoal, electric, and pellet options that cannot be measured the same way, we drew on testing evidence and an infrared thermometer to measure internal grill temperatures, along with assessing advertised wattage and power maximums. We also factored in each product's number of burners, the grill body's heat insulation, and the volume of the coal bed.
Among larger portable propane grills, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 stands above the rest for output power. At 20,000 BTU, this model puts most of the others to shame. U-shaped burners are fairly common on this grill type, but the Roadtrip 285's burner configuration evenly distributes heat across the entire oval-shaped grill surface. The Weber Traveler is a great example of how BTU output doesn't always correlate to better cooking performance. With only 13,000 BTUs, the oval design heats up quickly while maintaining a steady, consistent temperature across the entire grilling surface. Ultimately, we found it superior to the Roadtrip 285 in overall cooking performance.
The Weber Traveler combines a U-shape burner and 13,000 BTUs for substantial and consistent output power. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another grill that boasts 20,000 BTUs in a much smaller package is the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style, which offers two separate 10,000 BTU burners that combine for excellent output power and exceptional control.
Two separate burners combine to produce 20,000 BTUs within the packable table-top model of the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable. Credit: Trish Matheny
For smaller gas-powered grills, the Weber Q 1200 puts out a modest 8,500 BTU—not the most in our review, but with an efficient U-shaped burner and an insulating lid, this grill delivers top cooking performance. The least powerful model is the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet, which manages only 5,500 BTUs, but keep in mind that it weighs only 17 pounds and has half the cooking area of the bigger units. Even with its lower output, the Petit Gourmet didn't have trouble grilling anything we wanted; it took no longer to cook than the other contenders, and it used the least fuel. This points to an issue with assessing only the raw BTU score: the same amount of heat over a smaller surface area will be hotter than the same amount of heat spread across a larger surface area.
While the Petite Gourmet doesn't offer the most output power, it is half the size, yet offers more gas efficiency than its high-powered competitors. Credit: Trish Matheny
On the charcoal side, insulation plays a much more important role in output power and efficiency. The Cuisinart Portable Charcoal and Weber Go-Anywhere are very similar in terms of coal bed volume, but the Go-Anywhere scores much higher thanks to its cast iron construction.
While we couldn't rely on BTU-ratings for charcoal grills, our reviewers utilized an infrared thermometer to accurately test the temperature of these grill surfaces. Credit: Aaron Rice
Another style not to miss is the infrared grill. The Solaire Everywhere and the Char-Broil Grill2Go x200 pack quite a punch when it comes to output power. While the Char-Broil only supplies 9,500 BTUs, the Solaire Everywhere provides 14,000 BTUs, making it our overall favorite for searing a steak to perfection. The only caveat is that this power makes slow-cooking poultry and veggies nearly impossible without burning.
Reaching 450F in less than 5 minutes makes the Solaire Everywhere one of the more efficient models that we tested, although the 14,000 BTU output power makes it difficult to slow cook poultry and veggies without burning. Credit: Trish Matheny
Effective Heating
Higher BTUs produce more heat, but it is hard to determine heat output from the BTU rating alone. Grill size, construction materials, and design all affect how much heat the grilling surface produces.
Our heat-output ranking also considered each manufacturer's BTU reporting, grill surface area, and lid sealing and construction. For the most part, our heat-output scoring follows manufacturer claims, but we made exceptions based on our observations. For instance, while the Weber Q 1200 only claims 8,500 BTUs, in practice it runs hotter and holds that heat over a larger cooking surface than similar models. The infrared-cooking capability of the Solaire Everywhere puts out 14,000 BTUs and confidently sears a steak faster than anything else.
U-shaped burners, as found on the Weber Q 1200, are the design of choice to efficiently deliver heat across the extent of a grill surface. Credit: Aaron Rice
Temperature Control & Evenness
Control is the criterion that most distinctly separates the highest performers from the rest of the contenders. For gas and electric, we scored this metric based on the number of burners each product has and whether they can be adjusted to high, medium, and low temperatures. For charcoal, we assessed how easy it was to maneuver the coal bed to create heat zones. When we included pellet grills in our lineup, we studied the user interface and the startup and shutdown process. For all grills, we consider whether the grilling surface maintains a consistent temperature, whether it includes a thermometer or push-button ignition, and how well both perform. There are advantages and disadvantages to a grill surface that naturally creates different temperature zones.
If you're cooking only one type of food that covers the entire grilling surface, you will want consistent heat throughout. If you are cooking a variety of foods all at once, you might prefer different temperature zones. To test heat distribution across a grill, we grilled different foods in different corners.
The heat distribution of the Char-Broil 240 grill is not particularly even, likely because the distribution cap does not extend to the farthest reaches at either the front or back. Credit: Aaron Rice
To illustrate this, we cooked plain white bread and photographed the result to help visualize heat distribution across the grill tops. We also considered whether the lid was big enough for closed grilling, how easy the grease trap was to use, remove, and clean, and whether the regulator provided a snug or loose fit.
While the Solaire Everywhere doesn't feature a removable grease trap, it does offer a sturdy regulator attachment for controlling the temperatures. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 tops our list of favorite propane models for grill control and temperature regulation. Three dials control the different zones, but all of those heat zones overlap. The middle dial controls a burner that spans the length of the whole grill, while the other two dials control an additional burner on each side. With all of them on, it evenly heats the entire cooking area. The Roadtrip 285 produced better results in our white bread heat-mapping test than any other grill we've tested. Though the Weber Traveler does not feature a triple burner configuration, it does feature an accurate thermometer on the lid and a single adjustable dial that offers a wide range of settings.
It would be very difficult to beat the white bread heat distribution test results produced by the Coleman Roadtrip 285. Credit: Ross Patton
The Weber Q 1200 is another solid model in this category, thanks to its adjustable control knob and reliable electronic ignition system. We appreciate the naturally non-stick, porcelain-enameled grilling surface and the cast iron grates that distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. The Q 1200's domed lid provides plenty of clearance for closed grilling, the grease trap is easy to remove and clean, and the integrated thermometer helps regulate internal air temperatures with impressive accuracy.
Single-burner options, like the Cuisinart Grillster, often don't afford the same amount of control over temperature zones as other multi-burner grills. Credit: Aaron Rice
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill is a great option for those seeking exceptional control. This propane grill fired up immediately, offering two separate burners with 10,000 BTUs each and low-to-high settings for grilling a variety of foods. The separate burners, along with the full lid design, helped our testing team achieve excellent control, even while searing meat and slow-cooking veggies on the same grilling surface.
Two independent burners with low to high settings make it easy for the Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Portable grill to provide enough control to grill a variety of different foods. Credit: Trish Matheny
Of the one-burner grills, the mid-sized models offer a wide range of control options. In all the models we currently include in the review, the knob and regulators allow a clearer, wider range of burner output. Control, then, mostly comes from burner shape, grill shape, and how the two interact. Large burners, relative to the grill size, distribute heat more evenly to the grill top. The infrared burner of the Solaire Everywhere heats the entire grill surface to about the same temperature. This is good for cooking large quantities of a single food, but not so good if you're hoping to cook different foods at different rates.
The infrared grilling surface of the Solaire Everywhere is perfect for searing meat but problematic for cooking veggies without burning. Credit: Trish Matheny
It is important to mention here that cooking with charcoal is very different from cooking over a gas burner. Charcoal is an active heat source, meaning it can be adjusted—stoked to increase heat or smothered to decrease it—but it requires constant care to regulate temperature. The upside is that the potential for control is very high because charcoal gives you virtually unlimited ability to manage various heat zones across the grilling surface. The downside is that this control isn't guaranteed: there is a significant learning curve, and it's harder than adjusting the dial on a gas grill.
Notice the three different heat zones possible with the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill. From the left: medium heat to evenly brown the steak; high heat to blister peppers; low heat on to caramelize the onion. Credit: Aaron Rice
Among the charcoal models, the Weber Go-Anywhere scores top marks for control. Thanks to its relatively deep basin, we could build and stoke a substantial volume of coal to achieve the exact heat we wanted. Since the basin's area matches the grill's surface area, we could spread the coals to create targeted heat zones.
The deep basin of the Weber Go-Anywhere grill, combined with the ability to spread the coals evenly, delivers excellent control.
Grilling with real wood pellets is also very different from propane. Pellet grills, or those with smoke boxes, generally require electricity, which automatically monitors and releases the pellets needed to maintain your requested temperature setting. Pellet grills offer easy control: simply load the correct amount of wood pellets into the hopper, and the temp will be digitally controlled until your food is ready. The Traeger Ranger is a pellet grill option that requires a lot of pellets to maintain the open flame and flavor your supper, while the Ninja Woodfire is an electric grill that lets you add real wood pellets for wood-fired smoked flavor.
The Traeger Ranger Pellet grill features digitally monitored temperature control that's consistent and easy to use. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is one of the smallest grills in our tests, and its size affects control. This model has an elongated burner beneath a rectangular grate. It has a fairly uniform temperature, but the grate and burner shape lets you move food around to different temperature zones if you need more range for different foods. The Cuisinart Venture has a slightly larger cooking area and more BTUs, yet offers similar overall control.
Though slightly bigger than the Cuisinart Petite, the Cuisinart Venture has a similar performance in terms of overall control with the u-shaped burner design. Credit: Trish Matheny
A notable mention for an electric option is the 1200-watt Elite Gourmet 12" that gave a solid performance, featuring a single temperature dial ranging from 200°F to 450°F. Though testing with an infrared thermometer revealed that this grill runs hotter than the temperature on the control dial—up to 100°F hotter on the high end, especially with the tempered glass lid on—we were impressed with how evenly the heat distributed across the non-stick cooking surface.
The Elite Gourmet is an electronic option for grilling that is complete with an easy-to-use temperature dial ranging from 200F to 450F. Credit: Trish Matheny
Portability
To score this metric, we loaded each product into vehicles, took them to picnics and campsites, and grilled gratifying culinary concoctions. During these excursions, we considered overall size, weight, construction materials, and the availability of wheels, stands, or lid latches. We also evaluated closure security, transport noise, and cleanliness on the ride home.
The nomadiQ grill design received the highest marks in our comprehensive review for portability, thanks to its lightweight, sleek design with a handy shoulder strap and ergonomic topside handle for easy pickup. The nomadiQ features two locking mechanisms on each side that you release before pulling the grilling grates into place. Packing up is just as easy; simply release those same locking mechanisms before folding the grill back into place. Weighing only 12 pounds and measuring only 5 inches wide, the nomadiQ is perfect for those who want to maximize storage space and portability.
The Nomadiq grill features a uniquely portable design that's easy to use and transport between locations. Credit: Trish Matheny
Other smaller options include the Petit Gourmet, which has telescoping legs that fold up neatly and make it easy to carry in one hand. The Solaire and the Cuisinart Grillster both carry cleanly and easily, kind of like a small suitcase. Models like this are easy to carry into the park to find your ideal picnic spot. As with any grill, if you take the time to clean it before transporting it, you will find there's less mess. The Cuinsart Venture is another option that's easy to carry with one hand, thanks to a substantial, functional handle on top.
The large handle and extra storage in the plastic section on the bottom of the Cuisinart Venture upped its score when it came to portability. Credit: Trish Matheny
The 31-pound Weber Q 1200 is still surprisingly portable due to its useful handles. It can be purchased as a tabletop model (like we did) or easily integrated into a separate wheelable, folding stand for enhanced parking-lot convenience.
Even though the Weber Q 1200 neatly folds up (albeit into a not-so-compact package), the lack of a lid latch is perhaps more annoying than anything when considering the portability of this grill. Credit: Aaron Rice
The most notable portability feature of the Char-Broil Grill2Go is that it fits three propane canisters inside its closed lid during transport. Few other top-rated grills have space beneath their lids for even one canister, so this can be convenient when space is tight.
The Char-Broil Grill2Go is unique in that, for transport, you can carry fuel cans inside the lid. We like this. Surprisingly few others allow this. Credit: Jediah Porter
Weighing just over 30 pounds, the Snow Peak Takibi isn't the lightest option we tested, but it packs easily into an oversized canvas carry bag with two thick shoulder straps to help distribute the weight when moving it. Although it's too heavy for long distances, this design is easy to maneuver over short stretches and store between outings.
Mik Metzler shows how easy it is to pack the 30+ pound Snow Peak Takibi, thanks to the over-sized canvas bag complete with two thick shoulder straps. Credit: Trish Matheny
Of the wheeled options that we tested, we want to give a special shout-out to the Weber Traveler, which is so easy to use and transport that you can do it with only one hand (and foot). The grill also features a lock that secures it in its compact, portable position, while the long handle and durable wheels make upright portability a breeze. When it's time to load it into your vehicle, another large handle on the other side of the grill makes it much easier to lift and place into your pickup. However, we also recognize that this 49-pound grill is large, and we understand that this alone might be a limiting factor for some people. Compared directly with the cumbersome, awkward portability of the top-heavy Coleman 285, the Traveler is clearly superior thanks to a more thoughtful, user-friendly design.
Though one of the heaviest models that we tested, the portability of the Weber Traveler is difficult to beat. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Elite Gourmet measures only 17 inches at its widest point and weighs only six pounds, making it one of the most compact options we tested. However, as an electric grill, it is still tethered to a power outlet (of some sort). But if you have limited indoor space and still want to grill, this petite grill top is well worth your consideration.
At only five pounds, The Elite Gourmet is one of the lightest grill options that we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
At 2.2 pounds, the Casus Biodegradable Bamboo is one of the most packable options that we tested. However, we docked the score because the grill was difficult to burn after use. This meant we would have to “pack out” the remaining briquettes and Oxylite material to avoid “leaving a trace.”
The biodegradable bamboo design of the Casus Biodegradable Bamboo grill is very lightweight but not as packable if grilling in the backcountry means packing out the remaining grill portions that do not burn up after use. Credit: Trish Matheny
Capacity and Layout
The size of the cooking surface, the surface material, any coatings, and whether the grill has side tables or other added features determine scores in this metric. Additional features and functions include a grill grate that can be flipped over and used as a skillet, or bonus features like a warming rack or smoker tray. We also took into account how simple or challenging each contender was to clean.
The single-rack model with the largest grilling area is the Weber Traveler. This grill features an impressive 390 square inches of cooking space across its porcelain-enameled cast iron grate. This is plenty of room for a good-sized backyard BBQ or car camping with a group of your closest friends. We especially appreciated the easy cleanup afterward, thanks to the smooth cooking surface.
A substantial amount of cooking area along with cast iron grates made grilling and cleanup on the Weber Traveler a breeze. The porcelain-enameled cast iron made a fantastic cooking surface that was easy to clean. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another standout model in this category is the Coleman Roadtrip 285 that features –- as the name suggests –- 285 square inches of grilling surface. Though the cast iron grate is not as smooth as the Traveler and therefore causes food to stick even when preheated, the bottom of the grill's interior is easy to wipe clean thanks to an even surface.
The Coleman Roadtrip 285 was lots of room for lots of tasty food. Credit: Ross Patton
While not a traditional propane grill, the Snow Peak Takibi features an excellent grilling area that lifts easily away from the flame, thanks to two functional handles on each side of the grate. It offers 243 square inches of grilling space, and its square design also discourages food from falling between the grates and being lost to the flames below. This elegant grill combines the ambiance of an outdoor fireplace with the option to grill a variety of foods over wood or charcoal.
The Snow Peak Takibi offers aesthetics and function with the beautiful stainless steel cooking area that is easily removed from the flames. Credit: Trish Matheny
Another impressive cooking area, especially given its packability, is the nomadiQ propane grill, which opens from a 5-inch packed width to offer 226 square inches of cooking area—plenty of space to grill for a small group.
The Nomadiq propane grill features 226 square inch of cooking area that's perfect for small groups. Credit: Trish Matheny
Wind Resistance
Does the burner blow out in the wind? Does the lid slam shut easily? Does the grease trap fly away? Is the whole system sturdy? We considered all of these factors when scoring the contenders for this metric.
If you're in the market for a propane grill and you don't want to worry about your flame getting blown out, our top recommendation is the Weber Traveler. We found that, thanks to the burners' multi-hole design and their recessing into the grill body, this model's flames are very hard to extinguish. The low-profile lid of this grill is also vented with down-turned covers to release pressure inside the lid without allowing wind to have any effect on the flame.
The Weber Traveler is a perfect example of high performance (even when grilling on windy days in exposed locations) thanks to the fully enclosed grilling area and hooded vents on the back of the lid. Credit: Trish Matheny
Wind resistance was another particularly strong characteristic of the Elite Gourmet. It features an electrically heated cooking surface with a lid that covers the entire cooking space. As far as we can tell, this electric grill seemed completely unfazed by convective heat loss.
The Elite Gourmet is a great choice for grilling in high winds thanks to the tempered glass lid that fully encloses the non-stick grill plate. Credit: Trish Matheny
Two other excellent wind-resistant electric options are the Ninja Woodfire and the Traeger Ranger. The Ninja provides a fully enclosed grill space, restricting airflow for consistent temperature control, plus an optional woodfire smoke box that uses a convection fan to infuse the food with a slow-seal smoky flavor. In contrast, the Traeger vents out the back and sides of the grill, protecting the open flame without letting wind interfere. Both grills feature sturdy designs with impressive grilling surfaces, but are also heavy and require electricity to operate, limiting their portability.
Grills with smoking capabilities, like the Traeger Ranger and Ninja Woodfire, may be wind resistant, but they also require electricity to work.
The Weber Q 1200 comes with a disposable aluminum drip tray insert that you can place in the more permanent drip tray. This helps with cleanup, but it's not very wind-resistant, and in testing it regularly ended up on the ground after flying away in windy conditions. You can fix this by removing the disposable part or by putting a rock in it. Another poor example of wind resistance is the Solaire Everywhere, which is meant to be operated with the lid open, letting wind affect the temperature inside.
Infrared models like the Solaire Everywhere are meant to be operated with the lid open, making them a poor example when it comes to wind resistance. Credit: Trish Matheny
While the Snow Peak Takibi won't provide any wind resistance—and in some conditions could even create a fire hazard—ventilation can help when starting a coal or wood-chip fire for cooking. It also allows the grill to double as a portable outdoor fireplace.
The open flame and ventilation panels of the Takibi offer little to no wind resistance yet also create the ambiance of a portable outdoor fireplace. Credit: Trish Matheny
How to Pick the Best Portable Grill
We've selected five different considerations to help simplify your next grill purchase.
We've selected five different considerations to help inform your next portable grill purchase. Credit: Trish Matheny
What Fuel Type is Best?
Choosing the fuel type for your next grill comes down to a few key factors: convenience, flavor, and price. A propane gas grill is often the most convenient setup and easiest to clean. On the other hand, a charcoal grill provides a more pronounced flavor and can often reach hotter temperatures for searing. Still, you'll need to allow plenty of time for yours to cool before transporting, and during wildfire season, many destinations will not allow an open flame.
Other niche options include pellet grills, known for their smoky, wood-fired flavor, and electric grills, which can be the easiest and most versatile options. The only downside to either of these is that they require an electric outlet to operate and generally sit at the higher end of the cost spectrum. Also, pellet grills require wood pellets, which often must be specific to the manufacturer.
The Traeger Ranger Pellet provides smokey flavor from real wood and is powered by electricity. Credit: Trish Matheny
What Size Do You Need?
If you plan to take your grill camping or tailgating on weekends, a smaller grill is ideal. If you need a grill that can cook for groups and events, or you want a backyard grill you can move around easily, larger options exist. Weights can range from just a few pounds to well above eighty. When choosing your next portable grill, consider your transportation and storage needs along with how you plan to use it. Also, take a look at the cooking/grilling area. This will help to understand how much food can fit at a given time.
Smaller portable grills like the Cuisinart Venture can be the perfect option when grilling for couples or smaller groups. Credit: Trish Matheny
A larger grill area can accommodate more food at once and provide more room for other dishes. Credit: Ross Patton
What Features are Important to You?
You will find many useful features: folding side tables, digital thermometers, folding legs, and smoker boxes, to name a few. While some features may simply be for convenience, others, such as a digital thermometer, are essential if you plan on slow-cooking BBQ with precision. Consider what you plan to cook and hone in on the features that will help you get there.
The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill is a very unique and niche design that forgoes the convenience of propane for a different grilling experience that prioritizes both function and aesthetics in addition to providing a gathering place for family and friends. Credit: Trish Matheny
How Much Cooking Control Do You Need?
The ability to regulate and fine-tune heat output can be critical for the cooking you plan to do. On a gas or electric grill, identify how many burners and temperature adjustments are available. Certain foods, such as fish and vegetables, can be overcooked if the temperature is too high. Other foods benefit from high-temperature searing and need high heat to achieve the desired taste.
The nomadiQ grill features two independently controlled burners for those who prefer to cook foods at different temperatures. Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
All that stands between you and mobile grilling is making your final choice and grabbing a big pile of grillable grub. Crack that first tailgate can, review our comparisons, and pull the trigger on your next favorite home-chef tool.
We hope our testing perspectives and recommendations help you to find the best portable grills based on your specific needs. Credit: Trish Matheny
